The Directorate General of Immigration has established an Immigration Patrol Task Force called Dharma Dewata to monitor potential violations by foreign nationals in Bali.
By establishing this task force, the Director General of Immigration, Hendarsam Marantoko, aims to reduce the number of foreign nationals committing immigration violations, including criminal offences, on the Island of the Gods.
“Furthermore, even if there are no violations, at least these foreign nationals know that Immigration is there to monitor them and is ready to take action,” he said while inaugurating the task force members at Renon Field, Denpasar City, Bali, on Wednesday, 15th of April.
The inauguration was attended by approximately 100 Immigration officers from across Bali. The task force members will routinely patrol several locations deemed susceptible to immigration violations as well as criminal offences. The inauguration of this task force also serves as an effort to strengthen the performance of Bali Immigration in enforcing immigration law. Between the 1st of January and the 12th of April 2026, Bali Immigration carried out 165 deportations and 62 detentions as administrative actions.
“The Dharma Dewata Patrol Task Force will actively patrol several locations deemed vulnerable to immigration violations to ensure safe and high-quality tourism in Bali,” Marantoko continued.
Moreover, Bali Governor Wayan Koster emphasised the need for the formation of this task force and its patrols, given the continued presence of foreign nationals causing trouble while visiting Bali.
“If it’s been identified as a violation of the law, it will be handled by law enforcement; in this case, the Regional Police. Other violations, specifically those in other categories, are handled by immigration, leading to deportation and other forms of punishment,” he said.
On the same occasion, the Director General of Immigration also inaugurated Village Guidance Immigration Officers (Petugas Imigrasi Pembina Desa or PIMPASA) in Bali. This programme adopts a more humane, community-based surveillance approach through collaboration with village officials and community leaders. While the Dharma Dewata Task Force plays a tactical role in the field, PIMPASA serves as the vanguard in preventative efforts at the village level. PIMPASA’s presence is expected to strengthen early detection and narrow the scope for immigration violations, particularly in areas that may not be reached by routine patrols.